Sunday, March 8, 2020

Discipline System Changes Proposed In Ohio

The Ohio Supreme Court is asking for public comments on proposed amendments to address the process for investigating and prosecuting allegations of professional misconduct by Ohio judges and attorneys.  The report includes a variety of recommendations to the Court aimed at improving and promoting trust in the disciplinary system.  Proposals include:

- Expanding the role and responsibilities of local bar counsel in certified grievance committee investigations and prosecutions

- Streamlining and improving the process for investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating grievances against Supreme Court justices

- Creating procedures to address lawyer and judicial fitness questions that arise during a disciplinary investigation

- Expediting disciplinary cases, through measures such as service by electronical mail and the use of disciplinary orders in lieu of full opinions in certain cases

- Increasing the time limit for filing a claim for reimbursement with the Lawyers’ Fund for Client

- Increasing the maximum reimbursement amount to $100,000.

Comments should be submitted in writing by letter or via email by March 26 to ruleamendments@sc.ohio.gov or to John VanNorman, Chief Legal Counsel, Ohio Supreme Court 65 S. Front St., Seventh Floor, Columbus, OH 43215-3431.

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